Corsair XMS 3200XL Memory

Introduction:

A couple days ago we published a “preview” of the new Corsair XMS 3200XL Memory and now we are publishing our regular full review!

The new series of Corsair memory is going to be called Corsair XMS-XL. The reason that this product is exciting to us is because of the specifications that the memory is coming out with: 2-2-2-5 memory timings! Since it is able to run such tight timings the modules were named Xtra-Low or XL. The XL stands for Xtra-Low. While this may be a shock for many in the gaming and enthusiast community this is going to be a welcomed product for any computer user looking for the ultimate in memory performance. Many enthusiasts pay top dollar to have Winbond BH5 or BH6 IC’s, but finally a replacement is here and it depending on the end user it might actually be better! (insert gasp)

The modules that we have on the test bench are labeled CMX512-3200XL. These modules are rated at 2-2-2-5 timings at 2.75 Volts. While we have not had the modules for too long we have been able to use them on the following chipsets: VIA KT600, nForce2 Ultra 400, Intel 865P/875P, Via K8T800 Pro, and the nForce3-250 all with 100% success at 2-2-2-5 timings! We even used it on the upcoming 939-pin CPU’s from AMD on ASUS’s A8V (VIA K8T800 Pro) motherboard in dual channel operation with perfect operation. These modules seem to work on both AMD and Intel platforms at the tightest timings possible!

Right now there are several XMS XL modules to choose from:

The above chart shows three different PC-3200 parts (other than size). This is because Corsair offeres different color heat spreaders and they also off ther PRO series, which has the LED activity lights for enthusiasts.

Features:

The memory we are testing today are TWINX matched memory pairs that have been specifically designed for motherboards using chipsets with dual memory channels. All Corsair XMS3200XL memory kits consists of two ultrahigh-speed memory modules that have been tested together at DDR400 (200MHz) on an ASUS Canterwood dual channel motherboard. The XL series also comes with ”
Plug-n-Frag” Auto-Configuration, which basically means that the SPD is set correctly. This will allow your system to boot automatically using the
Xtra-Low latency values of 2-2-2-5

The Corsair XMS 3200XL modules are designed to be run on default DDR400 platforms and also overclocked systems., They do do carry a full lifetime warranty as long as you use them within warranty guidelines. This means that Corsair products are guaranteed to operate, as specified by their datasheet and in the operating environment for which they were intended, for the life of the product.

As the label states Corsair’s XMS 3200XL memory is speed rated for 400MHz (PC-3200) speeds at tight timings of CL 2-2-2-5, 1T.

EDIT: I’ve had a dozen e-mails asking about the upper right hand number (XMS3208v1.1), well I’ve spoken with Corsair and I’ve been informed that it’s not a typo and that the 8 means that this is their 8th generation XMS3200 part.